Our Love

Night Visits

Khom's POV

I have been back for about a week now. I am happy I am back. The job Evan had me do was not fun. Plus, Ruj's brother kept driving me crazy. Though after 3 months, he finally started to get his act together and might actually get through the training in a little over 2 years. Anyway, I gave myself all night shifts this week so that Ruj and Krit could have some time together as I am pretty sure they didn't get much when I was away since Kamol always has one of his personal guards on night duty with the other guards. I am making my rounds before going to the guardhouse to work on next months rotations and notice a figure sitting in front of the tiger cage on the bench. As I am walking up, I notice it is Lop, the kid that Ruj and Krit took in. It looks like he is crying. He notices me and was about to get up when I told him to sit back down. He sits back down, but I can notice he is wiping his tears.

Khom: Want to talk about it?

Lop: No.

Khom: Want me to call Ruj or Krit?

Lop: No, don't bother them. I have given them hell almost every night since I met them. Don't bother them, please.

Khom: Alright, I won't, but talking about it does help.

Lop: I have nightmares.

Khom: Does seeing the tigers help? I know I like to come here and think in front of them. I actually talk to them when I have a lot on my mind.

Lop: Really? I never thought about talking to them.

Khom: Yep, you see Whipped Cream over there. He is my favorite. He likes to eat whipped cream. Want to feed him some?

Lop: Is that how he got his name? And maybe another day.

Khom: Yeah, that is how he got his name. Kamol was eating ice cream with Whipped Cream on it and when he was still a cub, he stole Kamol's whipped cream.

Lop: That is funny.

Khom: Glad to see you laughing. So, what papers do you have there?

Lop: They are papers from school. Ruj needs to sign them, but I know he is going to be upset, so I have been keeping them from him, but they have to be signed and returned by Monday or the school is going to call him.

Khom: Can I see them?

Lop hands me the papers careful not to have any skin contact. Of course, I notice this, but refrain from saying anything. I look over the papers and start laughing. I can't believe the school is taking issue with these activities.

Khom: So, Lop how come you have been skipping morning circle and gym?

Lop: Morning circle is boring and in gym class I don't like changing in front of the other students.

Khom: Isn't there an outside Gym elective? I am sure the training you are doing with Krit, Ruj and the rest of us would count as your gym elective.

Lop: Yes, there is, but the school refuses to give me the paperwork for it.

Khom: How come you didn't ask Ruj or Krit to talk with the school facilitator?

Lop: I don't like bothering them. I bother them enough at night, they don't need to be bothered with this too.

Khom: How about you leave these papers with me, and I will take care of them for you, but I will be telling Ruj that I took care of it.

Lop: Umm, maybe I should just keep ignoring them.

Khom: That is never a good idea either. I will take care of these and let Ruj know once they are taken care of. Though in the future let either Ruj or Krit know and if you can't take it to them, you can always come see me.